The Punjab and Haryana High Court on directed Haryana government officers not to demand Aadhaar card for people seeking benefits under various government schemes.

The Punjab and Haryana High Court on directed Haryana government officers not to demand Aadhaar card for people seeking benefits under various government schemes.

The direction was given by Justice Rakesh Jain while disposing of a petition filed by Sudhir Yadav who had approached the High Court following reports that Aaadhar card was insisted on for various work, including admissions and availing benefits under government schemes.

The petitioner quoted media reports that several officers like Deputy Commissioner, District Education Officer and other senior officers in Haryana were saying that Aadhaar card was mandatory for availing the benefits of government schemes like CM Window, scholarships, fee concession etc.

The petitioner, through his advocate Pardeep Rapria, alleged that despite clear orders of the Supreme Court,various schools and other concerned authorities were insisting on Aadhaar card from students for getting admissions and other benefits as well.

After the inability of students in submitting the same, the students and parents were being harassed, he alleged.

Rapria told the Court that students were deprived of admissions and other facilities in schools for want of Aadhaarcard.

However, during the hearing of the petition, Haryana Advocate General B R Mahajan stated that Aadhaar card was never demanded as a mandatory requirement.